Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

PEG-8 CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE.

Valuable / SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

PEG-8 Caprylate/Caprate is a versatile non-ionic ingredient, derived from caprylic and capric fatty acids, engineered to enhance cosmetic formulation stability and sensory feel. It primarily functions as a solubilizer and co-emulsifier, effectively dispersing lipophilic components within aqueous systems, while also providing humectant and skin-conditioning benefits.

Summary

Emollient Emulsifying Skin-conditioning agent Surfactant Solubilizer Humectant

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient operates as a multi-functional non-ionic surfactant, adept at solubilizing essential oils and active ingredients into water-based formulations, which significantly improves product stability and efficacy. On the skin, it contributes to a smooth, non-greasy texture. As a polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative, it also acts as a humectant, drawing and binding moisture to the skin to provide hydration and prevent formulation dryness.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Formulations containing up to 3% PEG-8 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides were observed to be non-ocular irritants in rabbit studies.
  2. 02 A 5% concentration of PEG-8 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides demonstrated slight ocular irritation in rabbit models.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The available research data does not suggest that PEG-8 Caprylate/Caprate is commonly 'dusted' or has specific red-flag percentages related to over-formulation for efficacy, beyond the noted irritation thresholds for safety.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

PEG-8 Caprylate/Caprate exhibits robust stability across a wide pH spectrum, allowing for flexible formulation development. However, it is susceptible to hydrolysis when exposed to strong acidic or strong alkaline conditions. It demonstrates good compatibility with anionic ingredients.

Synergies

  • Anionic ingredients

Conflicts

  • Strong acids
  • Strong alkalis

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used with restrictions
Max tested
3%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel concluded that PEGylated Alkyl Glycerides, which includes PEG-8 Caprylate/Caprate, are safe for use in cosmetics provided they are formulated to be non-irritating. This assessment notably removed prior caveats regarding use on damaged skin. While its specific FDA status for topical cosmetic use is not explicitly designated as GRAS or approved, related medium-chain fatty acids (such as sodium caprate) are FDA-approved food additives. Clinical data indicates that concentrations up to 3% are non-irritating to the eyes, suggesting a practical upper limit for non-irritating formulations.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-8 Caprylate/Caprate is a valuable, multi-functional ingredient due to its effective solubilizing, emulsifying, and hydrating properties, enhancing formulation stability and skin feel with a generally low risk of irritation when precisely formulated below 3%.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…